Karmenu Vella, the EU's Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will present the Commission's proposals for fixing fishing opportunities for 2015 for the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 15th and 16th December.

As part of the continued fight against illegal fishing worldwide, the European Commission has today warned the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that they risk being identified as non-cooperating countries.

Following constructive discussions between the European Parliament and Council on the so-called Omnibus Regulation, the European Commission has reiterated its willingness to continue acting as a facilitator to talks as and when they resume.

The international community must continue to work together towards the sustainable use of oceans, to promote sustainable development, and to face up to the major threats confronting our marine environment. That was the message delivered today by the EU at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York during a debate on two resolutions relating to the Law of the Sea and sustainable fisheries.